The new Tour de Female

Jenna Clarke

Shane Warne may not be a fan of Lycra but an increasing number of women are now ducking and weaving around the city streets with the "latte-sipping bikers club".

Social cyclists have become an increasingly common sight during peak-hour commutes and around cafes over the last two years courtesy of men, nicknamed "MAMILs", choosing to get fit and flee middle age by bike rather than by sports car.

For this year's 700 kilometre trek, the number of females taking part has more than doubled with 20 ladies on two-wheels set to embark on the journey from Albany to Perth to mark the event's 10th anniversary.

For the five-day charity challenge, all riders will complete over 8000 kilometres of pedal powered preparation.

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Many of the training sessions, conducted by riding groups around the city, begin before dawn and end with chat over frothy milk and a hit of caffeine.

Cycling advocates say the increase in female participation in marathon and pelotons such as the Ride For Youth, is due to the "explosion" of the cycling and coffee cultures in Perth.

"Cycling does not discriminate. It is for everyone," enthusiast and Ride For Youth participant Julia Brown told WAtoday.com.au.

"The more competitive or faster groups in Perth do tend to be dominated by males but there is a feeling that all are welcome. You just have to be able to keep up because they won’t be waiting for you.

"A lot of women worry that cycling will make their thighs big and bulky but unless they are constantly pushing a big gear, which a lot of guys tend to do, they can get stronger and become more toned," the Bikram Yoga instructor added.

Marketing director Grace Kendrick jumped on a bike in her pursuit for "great legs" five years ago and feels her adventures via two 23 millimetre tyres have only just begun.

"It's just you against the elements, conquering long winding roads and hill passes. There's no cheating and no shortcuts. The process of planning, choosing the right gear, training, and most of all the suffering, is what makes it all so satisfying, plus that latte at the end," she said.

Vince Ulgiati, who launched the international cyclo-tourism operation Punto Tours, said the influx of women and families to the cycling scene has seen the pastime grow across all levels from amateurs, commuters and weekend warriors.

"What really excites me is that women of all ages, abilities, shapes and social background are out riding. I think women have discovered, as men did some time ago, that cycling is a great social outing," he said.

How does he gauge this increase in female participation?

"Just have a look at how many cyclists you now see in cafes in the mornings!"